Just a short drive down from Santa Barbara, Carpinteria is a central coast gem, with striking mountain views, beautiful beaches and wonderful small-town charm. Though it may be small (with a population of just over 13,000), the town has a lot to offer for visitors who enjoy spending time outdoors—from hiking, biking, surfing and just being an observer of nature. Carpinteria is the perfect place to spend time for a few hours or a few days and can be enjoyed with great temperatures and conditions almost year-round.
Guidebooks won’t tell you this, but many Carpinteria beaches are considered by locals to be even nicer than their more famous Santa Barbara counterparts. The sand is usually wider, the crowd more relaxed and the surf... well the surf is legendary, especially at Rincon beach. Other beaches include Carpinteria State Beach, Carpinteria City Beach and Padaro Beach. Carpinteria State Beach offers a great campsite and picnic area. Padaro Beach is favored by natives and conveniently bordered by local businesses, including Padaro Beach Grill and A-Frame Surf Shop.
